Free clinic for children

CHILDREN suffering from orthopedic problems or diseases and other major injuries will soon have a chance to be treated.

This will be made possible by a touring team from the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The team would be conducting orthopedic surgeries and would diagnose and evaluate all children with orthopaedic problems.

The team would also look into medical conditions of children such as birth defects on hips, arms and legs, sport injuries, deformities of the spine, cerebral palsy, burn scars, bone infections, complicated fractures and more.

Co-ordinator Ashna Kumari said the clinic was free.

"Fijian kids are fortunate because this clinic is absolutely free. These surgeries are very costly," she said.

"This is the right time for kids who are having orthopedic problems and other injuries as mentioned above to come and get checked."

Ms Kumari has urged parents to bring their children to the clinics for check-ups and surgery.

Shriner's Hospitals for Children have been providing quality pediatrics and orthopedic care for children throughout Hawaii and the South Pacific islands.

The clinics will begin at the Nadi Hospital from February 13 to February 15, followed by Labasa Hospital on February 19 and will end at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on February 22.